Why UCLA's Leger-Walker Deserved a WNBA Draft Invite

Last season, Leger-Walker averaged 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Considering she served as the primary floor general for a national championship team, it is surprising that the WNBA did not extend an invitation.

All season, UCLA head coach Cori Close praised Leger-Walker as one of the smartest players she has ever coached. Throughout the year, she proved to be a selfless playmaker — something increasingly rare in today’s game. Any team that takes a chance on Leger-Walker could see similar results to UCLA's.

Time and time again, Leger-Walker helped UCLA out of offensive ruts. Her ability to read the floor, create plays on the fly, and find open teammates allowed the Bruins to regain momentum in critical moments. Without her, UCLA likely would not have reached the position it ultimately did.

Where Leger-Walker Could Fall

The Bruins are projected to have multiple players selected in the first round, but mock drafts have been inconsistent in their evaluations of both Dugalic and Leger-Walker. Each has been projected anywhere from the late first round to the second.

This is not a slight toward Dugalic, but for a starter like Leger-Walker to be left off the draft invite list is difficult to overlook, especially given her role compared to others who received invitations. The point guard on a National Championship team is not a first-round pick? Might be a stretch.

Most projections have Leger-Walker going around No. 14 overall to the Seattle Storm. One reason cited for her slide is age — at 24, some teams may view her developmental ceiling as more limited than that of younger prospects.

The bottom line is that Charlisse Leger-Walker deserved a spot at the WNBA draft. She has first-round talent and played a critical role on a championship team. While she may not be walking the stage, it would not be surprising to see her name called early — and prove that the invite list got this one wrong.